U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were present in Princeton Thursday morning and detained two individuals, according to a statement released by the Municipality of Princeton.
Municipal officials said they first learned of ICE’s presence after reports from the community. According to the statement, a crossing guard at the intersection of Birch Avenue and John Street observed two suspicious vehicles in the area around 8:30 a.m. Several individuals approached the vehicles before they drove away, leading witnesses to believe they may have been affiliated with ICE.
After contacting ICE directly, the Princeton Police Department confirmed that ICE personnel had been in Princeton earlier that morning and that two individuals were taken into custody. ICE did not provide reasons for the detentions or additional information, the municipality said.
The municipality said it was able to independently confirm that two adult males were detained.
Officials emphasized that ICE did not notify the Municipality of Princeton or the Princeton Police Department in advance of its presence or actions. The Princeton Police Department does not participate in federal immigration enforcement, the statement said.
“The Municipality shares the concerns many in our community feel in response to this and similar actions,” the statement said, adding that officials will continue to share verified information as it becomes available.
Municipal officials also said Princeton Human Services will continue to provide support, resources, and information to underserved communities. The mayor and council reiterated their commitment to ensuring Princeton remains a welcoming community for all residents.
Congressional response
In response to reports of the detentions, U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman issued a statement sharply criticizing ICE’s action.
Watson Coleman said two Princeton residents were taken into custody, including a father of four, and described the detentions as part of what she characterized as a broader pattern of immigration enforcement that harms families and communities. She accused ICE of prioritizing intimidation over public safety and said the agency’s actions contradict claims that its focus is on violent criminals.
Watson Coleman called on Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to end what she described as “violent raids and illegal detentions,” and said she has joined colleagues in calling for Noem’s impeachment. She also urged residents to protest ICE and DHS actions peacefully and to document enforcement activity.
State senator responds
State Sen. Andrew Zwicker, whose district includes Princeton, also released a statement condemning the ICE action.
In his statement, Zwicker said a 40-year-old Princeton father was detained shortly after dropping his 9-year-old son off at school, leaving his wife at home with a newborn. Zwicker said schools kept students indoors following reports of ICE activity in town.
Zwicker accused ICE of acting without regard for community safety and the rule of law, and cited other recent immigration enforcement actions in New Jersey and nationally. He called on state leaders to take steps to protect residents and urged an end to what he described as “violent raids” and “lawless detentions.”
What remains unknown
As of Thursday afternoon, ICE had not released details about the individuals detained in Princeton, including the reasons for the arrests or whether the detentions were connected to any criminal charges. Municipal officials said they had not received additional information from federal authorities.
The municipality said it will continue to share verified information with the community as it becomes available.
